Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen Golf (Mk7 2013-2020) review – design

The Volkswagen Golf defines the family hatchback class, for good reason

Evo rating
RRP
from £17,785
  • Quality, space, refinement, performance
  • Everyone’s got one

How do you sum up a design as familiar as the Golf's? Some might use the word "boring", and it's true that there are plenty of rivals offering more intriguing shapes, but pragmatically few of the Mk7 Golf's rivals will age anything like as well and even fewer can trace their family lineage so consistently back through the decades.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Instantly recognisable, the Golf’s never been too radical a looker and this one is no different. It’s a handsome car though, the bold crease under the door handles and neatly detailed front and rear lights are nice touches. There are even some surprises; the designer’s playfulness is apparent in those headlights, where a couple of VW emblems form part of the unit. GT and R-Line models really up the visual appeal, adding more sporting looks and bringing bigger wheel options.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997.2) review – the best car we’ve ever driven? Possibly
Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997)
Reviews

Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997.2) review – the best car we’ve ever driven? Possibly

In 2014 we set out to find the best car we had driven during the first 200 issues of the magazine, and Porsche’s 911 GT3 RS was it.
31 Mar 2026
Porsche Panamera review – sports car qualities in a luxury super saloon
Porsche Panamera
In-depth reviews

Porsche Panamera review – sports car qualities in a luxury super saloon

The Porsche Panamera has adapted to a new era, with variants offering alternatives to everything from BMW’s M5 to the Mercedes S-class
2 Apr 2026
Range Rover Sport SV review – A Defender OCTA in a suit
Range Rover Sport SV review
Reviews

Range Rover Sport SV review – A Defender OCTA in a suit

Range Rover’s Sport SV blends ultimate SUV performance with a sense of luxury previously reserved for Range Rovers and it’s all the better for it.
2 Apr 2026